Educraft Marks 20 Years of Empowering Youth, Promoting Education Across Africa

Educraft Global Ventures and Educraft Global Impact Initiatives have celebrated their 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of contributions to education, youth empowerment, creativity, entrepreneurship and talent development across Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries.

Founded in 2006 by HRM Olori Princess Mojisola Ifesola Ajibade, the organisation said it has grown from a modest vision of discovering and nurturing young talents into a platform that has impacted thousands of students, women, entrepreneurs and communities through educational, vocational and creative development programmes.

Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Educraft noted that its early years were marked by partnerships with schools aimed at promoting talent discovery and educational excellence. Fortland School was among its first collaborators, while international educational exchange programmes later took participating students to Ghana and Porto-Novo in the Republic of Benin, exposing them to diverse cultures and learning environments.

One of the organisation’s landmark early initiatives was the Miss Global Ambassador of Talent competition, won by a student of Ansar-Ud-Deen Girls’ School, Itire, Lagos. The winner received an educational trip to Ghana, a plot of land and other recognition designed to encourage academic and creative excellence.

Educraft also organised talent display and audition programmes that provided young participants with opportunities to showcase their abilities, with some featuring on Lagos Television (LTV), thereby gaining wider public recognition.

A major milestone in the organisation’s history came between 2011 and 2012 through its collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education. Working across the state’s six Education Districts, Educraft coordinated training programmes, talent development initiatives and educational competitions for students with sponsorship support from Golden Penny.

According to the organisation, the initiative enabled students to develop leadership, creativity and confidence, while outstanding participants were rewarded with educational air travel experiences aimed at broadening their exposure beyond the classroom.

Beyond primary and secondary education, Educraft expanded its collaborations to higher institutions, including Covenant University through its Entrepreneurship Department, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and practical skills acquisition. The organisation also established educational partnerships with schools in Ghana, further strengthening regional cooperation in education and youth development.

Educraft said its impact has also extended to adults through the Educraft Creativity Cluster, which provides vocational, entrepreneurial and creative skills training for women, youths and aspiring entrepreneurs to improve economic self-reliance.

The organisation later expanded its activities into Ogun State through collaborations with public schools and the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs, focusing on youth empowerment, women development and community engagement.

Despite financial constraints and other operational challenges over the past two decades, the organisation said its commitment to empowering lives and creating opportunities has remained unwavering.

As part of activities marking its 20th anniversary, Educraft announced plans to celebrate selected teenagers whose lives have been positively transformed through its programmes, describing the initiative as a reflection of the organisation’s enduring commitment to investing in people rather than merely celebrating institutional achievements.

Speaking on the milestone, Founder and President of Educraft Global Impact Initiatives, HRM Olori Princess Mojisola Ifesola Ajibade, expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the support of schools, government agencies, corporate sponsors, development partners, volunteers, parents and students who have contributed to the organisation’s growth.

She reaffirmed Educraft’s commitment to expanding its programmes in education, creativity, vocational development, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and humanitarian services through stronger global partnerships.

According to her, the organisation’s 20-year journey represents not only a celebration of past achievements but also the beginning of a new chapter aimed at creating greater opportunities for young people and communities across Africa.